This past weekend we lost a national treasure. Ruth Bader Ginsburg or RBG as she came to be known. I’d be lying if I said I even knew half of what she brought to this nation’s sensibility and what an incredible legacy she leaves. Yes…I knew the big stuff, but until the tributes and summaries started being posted (even with the recent documentaries and film) I don’t think I truly appreciated what a giant she was.

I have lived 68+ years, I have had the great fortune to have seen, heard and experienced many incredible people and events in sports, music, literature, education and beyond. I’ve seen some true evil and have seen humanity rise above and ultimately recover and refresh. I could give a list in all the areas I’ve mentioned but cataloging would be (a) boring and (b) pointless as many of what I consider great or transformational are simply my opinions. Certain events have no debate: 9-11, Vietnam, slavery (yes it existed in many forms and still does during my lifetime), assassinations, all reprehensible events without debate. We’ve had leaders or nominal leaders who have helped us or hurt us even that’s open to debate. The idea of “legacy” is also open to interpretation. What is not, by any stretch of any imagination is what Mrs. Ginsburg leaves and what she brought to the party.

She quietly but firmly and convincingly, broke through the glass ceiling that was much lower then than it is now and much harder to break through. She was empathetic, incredibly hard working, but also had, by all reports, a fabulous sense of humor. Her best friend on the Supreme Court was Antonin Scalia, someone who politically, could not be further away from where she was, yet they shared a love of music, and according to RBG he made her laugh. While they frequently didn’t agree, they were able to debate, discuss issues and appreciate the other’s position without public trash talking.

The more I learn the more in awe I am of this physically tiny woman who, for so many years, held the nation on her shoulders. I am at an age where many who I looked up to have passed or are passing. I’m at the point on the cradle-grave timeline where I’m looking much farther back than I am looking ahead when it comes to time, regardless, I am incredibly appreciative that I have lived during what was (and hopefully will be again before too long) a true golden age of reason and achievement.

Regardless of your “side” tonight, raise a glass to RBG and look around you and say a small thank you for what she has contributed to your surroundings, I know I will.